Autism Services and Resources Connecticut Newsletter

ASRC Walk for Autism - Sunday, May 3, 2015
Get Your Teams Started and Plan to Join in the FUN!!
We’re back to our traditional date and location on the Choate Athletic Field in Wallingford! Be sure to join us for a family-fun day full of new surprises! Food trucks, raffles, great activities, and of course – the WALK route full of entertainment surprises!! Help support ASRC programs and services by starting your teams today!! Need flyers, posters or other awareness materials? Contact us by email or phone 203.265.7717.

Registration Now Open Online!
25th Annual Northeast Regional Conference on Autism
Context is so important to our daily life communication - more than we realize!! Don’t miss Friday keynote Dr. Peter Vermeulen, author of “Autism as Context Blindness”! Saturday agenda features Michelle Garcia Winner, providing two general session presentations, and “Speaker from the Spectrum” Dena Gassner. 14 great breakout sessions to choose from! New this year: lunch is included in your registration!!Complete details here!
Conference is going GREEN!! Flash drives containing presentation handouts will be distributed to all attendees! Bring your iPods and laptops!

Parent Speaker Series – Are you planning for summer months yet?
Extended School Year Services May be Available to YOU!!
“Extended School Year Services - What to Do About Summer Vacation!”
Special Ed Advocate Julie Swanson and Jennifer Laviano, Esq. can help you prepare NOW for evaluating your options for summer programming! Monday, Feb 23; 6-8pm at the ASRC Wallingford office. RSVP for this free presentation; limited seating.

NEW!! ASRC Housing Initiative Presentation Part 1: Monday, Feb 23
“Planning, Funding & Preparing for Living Independently with ASD”
This three-part conversation will guide parents and caretakers through the process of evaluating options for those on the autism spectrum. Presentations will include participation from Laura Reed, Director of the Livecta Division of Light House Vocational Services, ASRC Housing Consultant Renee DePastino, and a panel of experienced parents sharing their perspective on independent living for their adult children. All presentations are 6-8:00pm at the Rocky Hill Parks and Recreation; first session is Mon, Feb 23. You must RSVP for this free series; limited seating. More information here.

Northern Parent Networking Group
“Summer Camps & Rec Activities for Children with Special Needs”
Presented by CT Family Support Network (CTFSN) at the Glastonbury High School; Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7-8:30pm. RSVP for this free event!

NEW!! Special Presentation Hosted by Chapel Haven
“Autism & Adolescence: the Dual Diagnosis”
Raising a Tween or Teen on the Spectrum? This is for YOU! Learn how to navigate those tricky adolescent years! Presentation by Sara Reed, ASRC Director of Advocacy & Family Services; Tuesday, Feb. 24. Event includes a light supper and a chance to tour the Chapel Haven facilities at 1040 Whalley Ave., New Haven. Program from 5:30-7:30pm; registration is required for this free event! Register for the Feb 24 event here.

Parent Advocacy Boot Camp Session for Spring - Begins March 14
“Transition – OMG!” Comes to Giant Steps in Southport
“This series was immeasurably useful, positive and empowering...” - parent attendee
Our most popular training series topic focuses on autism, adolescence, and what you need to know about transition. “Must know” information for parents with tweens and teens! Schedule-friendly 4-part series begins Sat, March 14. More info and registration here.

Create Your Own Autism Awareness Contest
This is your chance to use your creativity! Make a video, write a book, create your own awareness campaign! Sponsored by CT Autism Action Coalition for CT youth ages 12-18. Winner announced at Autism Awareness Day at the Capitol in Hartford in April 2015! Complete rules and information here!

You Can Bring Autism Puzzlethon™ to Your Local Area
Looking for a fun way to support ASRC while creating social opportunities for your community? Our innovative program, Autism Puzzlethon™is great for schools, civic organizations, youth groups, or ANYONE! Great activity for high school Community Service Projects. Full organizational packet available! Contact us for more details to schedule an event in your area!

Need Housing Help?
The ASRC web site now offers some helpful tools for dealing with housing issues. Questions can also be directed to our ASRC Housing Consultant, Renee DePastino, or by calling ASRC during office hours - 203.265.7717.

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